How Did Chewbacca Die?

In the vast and beloved universe of Star Wars, one character holds a special place in the hearts of fans: Chewbacca. This loyal Wookiee, known for his fierce loyalty and iconic growls, has been a steadfast companion to Han Solo and a key player in the fight against the dark forces of the Empire. However, the fate of Chewbacca differs between the Star Wars Legends and the sequel trilogy, particularly in The Rise of Skywalker. How did Chewbacca die? In this article, we’ll explore how Chewbacca met his end in the Legends canon and discuss the controversial decision to spare his life in the latest installment of the Skywalker saga.

Chewbacca in the Star Wars Canon

Before diving into the different versions of Chewbacca’s fate, let’s first establish his significance in the Star Wars canon. Chewbacca, affectionately known as Chewie, made his debut in George Lucas’ groundbreaking 1977 film, Star Wars: A New Hope. Portrayed by Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca quickly became a fan-favorite character, known for his towering stature, distinctive fur, and unwavering loyalty to his friends.

Throughout the original trilogy, Chewbacca played a pivotal role in the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire. From assisting in the rescue of Princess Leia Organa to taking part in the Battle of Yavin and the Battle of Endor, Chewbacca’s bravery and strength were instrumental in the ultimate defeat of the Empire. After the events of Return of the Jedi, Chewbacca continued to serve as Han Solo’s trusted co-pilot and friend, even in the face of new threats like the First Order.

How Did Chewbacca Die?

In the Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as Legends, Chewbacca met a tragic end in the 1999 book The New Jedi Order: Vector Prime by R. A. Salvatore. Set after the formation of the New Republic, Chewbacca remained a hero of the Rebel Alliance and continued to protect Han and Leia’s children.

In 25 ABY, Chewbacca, along with Han and Anakin Solo, traveled to the planet Sernpidal. While there, they discovered that a moon was on a collision course with the planet. They attempted to evacuate the citizens, but Chewbacca made the selfless decision to save Anakin, who had become trapped in the heavy winds. Despite his best efforts, Chewbacca was unable to make it back to the Millennium Falcon and was tragically crushed to death by the moon.

This bold narrative choice shocked readers and showcased the risks and sacrifices that characters in the Star Wars universe are willing to make. However, the fate of Chewbacca in Legends is not reflected in the sequel trilogy.

Chewbacca’s Survival in The Rise of Skywalker

In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the final installment of the Skywalker saga, Chewbacca’s death is teased but ultimately averted. Halfway through the film, while on the desert planet Pasaana, Chewbacca is captured by the First Order and loaded onto a transport ship. Rey, Finn, Poe, and the audience witness the ship flying away, seemingly with Chewbacca on board.

In a moment of desperation, Rey channels her Force powers and attempts to pull the ship back to the ground. However, her powers surge, and she unintentionally unleashes Force lightning, destroying the transport. The characters, including Rey, believe that Chewbacca perished in the explosion.

This twist shocked viewers and left them mourning the loss of Chewbacca. However, shortly after this dramatic moment, it is revealed that Chewbacca was, in fact, on a different transport ship that had landed out of sight. The character who witnessed the event exclaims, “He must have been on another transport.” This revelation relieves the audience and the characters, but it also raises questions about the storytelling choices in The Rise of Skywalker.

A Critique of Chewbacca’s Survival and Narrative Choices

The decision to spare Chewbacca’s life in The Rise of Skywalker has been met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Some argue that it was a missed opportunity for a bold and emotionally impactful moment, while others appreciate the relief of not losing such an iconic character.

One of the criticisms directed at The Rise of Skywalker is its tendency to reverse or undermine significant moments from previous films. Chewbacca’s supposed death and subsequent rescue are examples of this trend. By reintroducing Chewbacca moments after his apparent demise, the film lessens the impact of the emotional moment and undermines the stakes of the story.

Moreover, this narrative choice reflects a broader issue in the film, namely its desperate attempt to please everyone and rectify perceived missteps from The Last Jedi. By retconning or nullifying certain elements from its predecessor, The Rise of Skywalker sacrifices narrative consistency and coherence.

It is worth noting that Chewbacca’s survival in The Rise of Skywalker aligns with the overall tone of the sequel trilogy, which tends to prioritize nostalgia and fan service. While this approach may appeal to some viewers, it also runs the risk of diminishing the stakes and emotional resonance of the story.

Conclusion

The fate of Chewbacca in the Star Wars universe differs between the Legends canon and the sequel trilogy. In Legends, Chewbacca tragically sacrificed himself to save Han’s son, Anakin, in The New Jedi Order: Vector Prime. This bold narrative choice showcased the risks and sacrifices faced by characters in the Star Wars universe.

In contrast, The Rise of Skywalker teased Chewbacca’s death but ultimately spared him, undermining the emotional impact of the moment. This decision reflects a broader trend in the film, as it attempts to please everyone and rectify perceived missteps from its predecessor.

Ultimately, the different fates of Chewbacca in Legends and The Rise of Skywalker highlight the complexities of storytelling and the challenges faced by filmmakers in satisfying a diverse and passionate fan base. Regardless of the controversy surrounding his survival, Chewbacca remains an iconic character in the Star Wars universe, beloved by fans for his loyalty, strength, and distinctive voice.